Republican lawmakers in St. Paul want the mayors of Minneapolis and St. Paul to control the schools. Both mayors in the DFL-dominated cities say they're open to discussing the matter with Republicans, but say they back the work of their respective school superintendents toward improving student performance. (Steve Brandt and Daarel Burnette)

Minneapolis Loppet race being moved to Wirth Park. The City of Lakes Loppet race set for next weekend has shifted from the Uptown area to Theodore Wirth Park, where artificial snow will keep cross-country skiers moving along. Having skied at Wirth this weekend, I got a flavor of just how many skiers can jam themselves on the little strips of snow in the woods. (Jim Adams)